Press Release – Lotus Cars · Issued 26/05/2026, Hethel, Norfolk Republished by Club Lotus with permission. Source: Lotus Group / Lotus Technology Inc.
Lotus has introduced the Emira 420 Sport – the most powerful, lightest and most aerodynamically capable Emira ever built. Sitting at the apex of the Emira line-up, it has been developed specifically to deliver more performance on road and on track, reinforcing the marque’s commitment to greater agility, response and driver engagement.
At a glance
- A pure expression of Lotus DNA, with every advancement made in pursuit of performance: carbon fibre, titanium exhaust, lithium-ion battery, two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers and high-performance tyres.
- 25kg lighter and 25kg more downforce than the Emira Turbo, with the Lightweight Handling Pack, delivering 420PS, 500Nm and 0–62mph in 3.9 seconds.
- Removable roof panel introduced for the first time on the Emira, available across the full range.
- Available to order now, with customer deliveries expected from August 2026.
The Emira 420 Sport produces 420PS from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, accelerates from 0–62mph in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 186mph. With the optional Lightweight Handling Pack it is 25kg lighter than the Emira Turbo while generating 25kg of additional downforce, and a series of aerodynamic revisions improve cooling and track performance without increasing drag. Lotus is also introducing a removable tinted glass roof panel for the Emira, available now across the full model range.
“Emira 420 Sport is proof of our commitment to Focus 2030, and we’re listening to our customers. This is what obsessive engineering looks like. We’ve built on everything Emira has achieved to date to deliver a car that is even more connected, more intuitive, and more rewarding to drive. It is a car for the drivers.” – Qingfeng Feng, CEO, Lotus Group
More performance, reduced weight
The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produces 420PS and 500Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for faster acceleration and more immediate in-gear response. The Lightweight Handling Pack delivers improved agility and responsiveness, and includes two-way adjustable Multimatic dampers, a titanium exhaust, a lithium-ion battery, carbon fibre components and a dedicated Lotus Track Performance app to measure and record lap times.
Upgraded aerodynamics and cooling
Exterior updates include a new front splitter, revised front vents, extended side sills, larger air intakes, a lip spoiler and a louvred tailgate. These changes increase airflow to the outboard radiators by 15 percent, to the central radiator by 14 percent, improve brake cooling by 10 percent and increase exhaust-valve airflow by 30 percent. Drivers experience more consistent performance in demanding conditions, particularly on track. The updates also subtly reference Lotus’ design heritage, echoing cues seen on cars such as the Esprit Turbo.
Chassis and driver engagement
The Emira 420 Sport builds on Lotus’ reputation for steering precision and chassis balance. A 5mm lower ride height, combined with revised suspension settings and high-performance tyres, enhances control and feedback. The bonded aluminium chassis and double-wishbone suspension deliver the blend of ride comfort and handling precision that defines the Emira, while electro-hydraulic power steering provides detailed feedback to the driver. Inside, the cabin supports both road and track driving, with 12-way adjustable seats, a driver-focused layout and intuitive controls. New carbon fibre gearshift paddles combine with updated haptics for added responsiveness and engagement.
“Emira is globally renowned for its ride and handling – it has been tuned to absorb, settle and communicate, working in harmony with a steering system that remains pure. With the 420 Sport, we’ve taken that foundation and pushed it further. Adjustable dampers, increased downforce, sharper responses, reduced roll – every detail obsessively engineered to put the driver more in control.” – Gavan Kershaw, Director of Attributes, Lotus Cars
Enhanced personalisation
The Emira 420 Sport is available with an optional exterior carbon fibre pack comprising the front splitter, side sills, wheel-arch vents, side pods, rear spoiler and diffuser surround. Drivers have a choice of nine wheel designs and finishes, including new 20-inch 15-spoke forged alloy wheels in satin dark grey.
The colour palette offers 16 choices. Unique to the Emira 420 Sport is Tangelo Orange – a vivid, expressive colour continuing a long tradition of Lotus Orange paints. Two new optional cabin packs are available:
- Carbon Fibre Pack – revises the driver-display surround with unique geometry, the centre spoke on the steering wheel and the logo surround in the seat back.
- Hand Painted Pack – uses the Tangelo Orange launch colour to add highlights throughout the cabin, including the centre console, steering-wheel spoke, gear-lever inner and air-vent surrounds.
Exhilarating open-air driving
A removable tinted glass roof panel is available for the first time on the Emira. Inspired by the Esprit, the panel is designed for quick removal and stores behind the seats in a protective bag, allowing drivers to switch easily between coupé and open-top configurations. Lotus’ underlying architecture ensures dynamic performance remains unchanged. The feature is now available across all Emira variants.
Pricing and availability
The Emira 420 Sport is available to order now, with customer deliveries expected from August 2026.
| Country | MSRP starting price* |
| Europe | €129,900 |
| United Kingdom | £105,900 |
| United States | $122,900 |
*Dependent on chosen model and excludes options, specifications, taxes and delivery charges. Lotus reserves the right to revise prices in future due to, but not limited to, availability of materials, delivery costs, inflation and changes in (local) taxes.
[ENDS]
This press release is reproduced by Club Lotus by arrangement with Lotus Cars. Original issued by Lotus Group / Lotus Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: LOT), Hethel, Norfolk, 26/05/2026. Media queries: globalcomms@eu.lotuscars.com. Full technical specification available in the accompanying data sheet.
Key technical data (from the official Lotus technical information sheet – EU model)
| Parameter | Figure |
| Configuration | Four-cylinder turbocharged in-line petrol |
| Displacement | 1,991 cc |
| Bore / stroke | 83.0 mm / 92.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Maximum power | 416 bhp / 310 kW / 421 PS @ 6,500 rpm† |
| Maximum torque | 500 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Specific output | 209 bhp/litre |
| Maximum engine speed | 7,200 rpm |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Top speed | 186 mph / 300 km/h |
| 0–60 mph | 3.7 s |
| 0–62 mph | 3.9 s |
| 0–124 mph | 12.47 s |
| Quarter mile | 11.91 s |
†The headline release states 420PS; the technical data sheet lists 416 bhp / 310 kW / 421 PS. Both Lotus figures retained for the record.
